GenAge entry for BAX (Homo sapiens)

Gene name (HAGRID: 119)

Potential relevance to the human ageing process

Main reason for selection

Entry selected based on evidence showing that the gene product to be a target of genes previously linked to ageing

Description

An important player in apoptosis, BAX encodes multiple transcripts and has been linked to development, cancer, and age-related changes in apoptosis [600]. Inactivation of BAX in mice extended fertile potential and minimized age-related health problems, including bone and muscle loss, excess fat deposition, alopecia, cataracts, deafness, increased anxiety, and selective attention deficit. It did not extend lifespan [1927]. Changes in apoptotic proteins like BAX could also contribute to ageing-associated atrophy in the skeletal muscle of rats [1639]. It is not known how these processes are related to human ageing, but a role of BAX in human ageing is a possibility.